DoH advice to cut salt ‘is a killer and should not be followed’, claims controversial study

Research team from McMaster University, Ontario, claims new guidelines are dangerous

By SHAUN WOOLLER

21st May 2016, 2:58 am

Updated: 4th August 2016, 8:27 pm

GUIDELINES on salt intake are too low and may actually increase the risks of premature death, according to a controversial study.

The Department of Health suggests a daily intake of just six grams for adults — but scientists found people who eat less than 7.5 grams are more likely to have heart attacks and strokes.

Not enough salt can lead to death, new research claims

And while many medics say salt pushes up blood pressure, the research indicated it was a danger only to those with a problem already.

The team from McMaster University, in Ontario, Canada, examined more than 130,000 people from 49 countries and said just ten per cent had both high blood pressure and high salt intake.

Andrew Mente, who led the study, said: “These are extremely important findings. Guidelines need to be updated to reflect contemporary evidence.”

But Prof Francesco Cappuccio, head of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Nutrition, said he read the research published in journal The Lancet “with disbelief”.

He insisted: “Evidence supporting a moderate reduction in salt consumption to prevent cardiovascular disease is strong.”

Alexis Wieroniey, from the Stroke Association, agreed: “Though this study may appear good news for salt lovers, numerous other studies have shown that excess salt in our diet is detrimental to our health.